The primary goal of the program is to protect the public health from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. In order to reach this objective, we strive to reduce mosquito populations to tolerable levels, which helps decrease the risk of mosquito-borne disease and nuisance mosquito species to the citizens and visitors of our county. The cornerstone of the mosquito control program is the biology department, whose main function is to determine timing and priority of treatment based on larval and adult mosquito surveys.

The biology department also provides an extensive disease surveillance network coordinated through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, and Michigan Department of Community Health to monitor mosquito-borne diseases. Female mosquitoes are tested for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and West Nile Virus (WNV) and dead American Crows and Blue Jays are tested in-house for WNV infection; confirmation may be performed through MSU's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. The program controls immature and adult mosquitoes by seeking out and eliminating breeding sites and by using biological controls and insecticides.

In addition to responding to citizen requests, we also initiate mosquito surveillance before the occurrence of summer festivals and community events. Public attendance at such events exceeds one-half million with nearly half of these people considered Bay County tourists.

All residents and property owners can assist by eliminating breeding sites, such as stagnant water collecting anywhere on their property. Bay County Mosquito Control is designed to promote a safe and healthy environment for county residents.